Grommet Axial Shift for Wire Harness Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire harness configurations face difficulties in connecting connectors to both end portions, as terminal fittings are hard to expose and the grommet's axial movement is restricted by the caulking ring, making it challenging to attach connectors to both ends.
Innovation Solution
A grommet with a pass-through space allowing the caulking ring to move axially, combined with an accordion portion for flexibility and distinct radial protrusions for correct orientation, enables easy shifting of the outer cover to expose terminal fittings and facilitate connector attachment to both ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grommet is fixed to the pipe end portion to provide waterproofing, then waterproofing performance is improved, but the outer cover component cannot be shifted axially to expose terminal fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into two functional segments: a fixed first end portion attached to the pipe for waterproofing, and a movable second end portion connected to the outer cover component that can shift axially. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function independently - the first end maintains waterproof sealing while the second end enables the outer cover to move and expose terminal fittings for connector attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet transitions from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic structure where the second end portion can move axially relative to the first end portion. This dynamic capability allows the outer cover component to be shifted when needed for connector attachment, while the first end portion remains fixed to maintain waterproofing at the pipe connection.
2Reliability
If the terminal fittings are contained in the connector, then connection reliability is improved, but it becomes difficult to attach connectors to both end portions of the wire harness
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover component is designed with dynamic axial movement capability, allowing it to be shifted to expose terminal fittings on both ends of the wire harness. This enables operators to attach connectors to both end portions sequentially - the outer cover can be moved to expose each terminal fitting as needed, maintaining connection reliability while improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the end portion of the outer cover component is folded back to expose terminal fittings, then terminal accessibility is improved, but the grommet structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding back the outer cover end portion which would create complex structures, the grommet is segmented into fixed and movable parts. The second end portion of the grommet connects to the outer cover component and moves axially to expose terminal fittings, achieving terminal accessibility through simple linear movement rather than complex folding mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet arranged between a pipe and an outer cover that surrounds a braided member connected to the pipe, the grommet including a body with a pass-through space through which a caulking portion of a caulking ring for caulking the braided member to an end portion of the pipe can move in an axial direction.